Each was charged with three felonies: misuse of food stamps in excess of $3,000, falsifying business records, and grand larceny, detectives said.

Detectives said they began an investigation in March 2011 over the use of electronic food stamp benefit cards to purchase non-food items at the Star Grocery at 357 Mettacahonts Road. The probe led to the execution of a search warrant and the seizure of property and records at the business on Wednesday.

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The three suspects were arraigned in Rochester Town Court and released with tickets to appear in court at a later date, according to detectives.

The Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Ulster County District Attorney's Office and the Special Investigations Unit of the Ulster County Department of Social Services.